Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
PROMETHAZINE; CODEINE (proe METH a zeen; KOE deen) treats the symptoms of the common cold, allergies, or flu. It works by reducing cough, a runny or stuffy nose, and red, itchy eyes. It is a combination of an antihistamine and an opioid cough suppressant.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pentazine with Codeine
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Do not to overfill. Rinse the measuring device with water after each use. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.
Advertisement
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. This medication is not approved for use in children.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
You may develop tolerance to this medication if you take it for a long time. Tolerance means that you will get less symptom relief with time. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Taking this medication with other substances that cause drowsiness, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other opioids can cause serious side effects. Give your care team a list of all medications you use. They will tell you how much medication to take. Do not take more medication than directed. Call emergency services if you have problems breathing or staying awake.
Advertisement
Long term use of this medication may cause your brain and body to depend on it. This can happen even when used as directed by your care team. You and your care team will work together to determine how long you will need to take this medication. If your care team wants you to stop this medication, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to reduce the risk of side effects.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.
This medication will cause constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your care team.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Prolonged use of this medication during pregnancy can cause temporary withdrawal in a newborn.
Advertisement
Talk to your care team before breastfeeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed. If you breastfeed while taking this medication, seek medical care right away if you notice the child has slow or noisy breathing, is unusually sleepy or not able to wake up, or is limp.
Long-term use of this medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Advertisement
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep this medication out of reach of children and pets. Store it out of sight in a safe place. Do not share it with others. Misuse of this medication is dangerous and against the law.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
This medication may cause harm and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as you no longer need it or it is expired. To get rid of this medication:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Copyright ©2025 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.